England's left-back options - ranked

When it comes to full-backs, it would be fair to say England are a little bit lopsided.

So, you like right backs, eh? Well, have all the right backs in the world! Left-backs more your thing? Well, the news isn't quite so good.

There's a bit of quality and a bit of promise, but compared to the other flank where you've got about five or six Champions League standard players banging on the door, the talent pool is much less straightforward.

Let's take a look at Gareth Southgate's current left-back options, with one eye on Euro 2024.

7. Rico Henry

Henry has emerged as a candidate for selection after some eye-catching performances at left-back for Brentford. The attacking defender has plenty of pace and enjoys forays down the flank.

However, Henry suffered a knee injury earlier in the season and is expected to miss the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign. That all but dashes his slim hopes of making the Euro 2024 squad.

6. Alfie Doughty

The dynamic Doughty has typified Luton's courage and exuberance during their maiden Premier League bow.

A relentless customer down the Hatters' left, Doughty excels one-v-one and is a creative force in the final third.

He operates primarily as a wing-back, however, and will surely only be considered if Southgate drifts back towards a back three/five.

5. Dan Burn

If Burn makes his way to Euro 2024, he will undoubtedly be the tallest left-back at the tournament. At 6'7, he would certainly be a unique option for Southgate.

Burn has been impressive at Newcastle United, thriving in a less natural role under Eddie Howe. However, his lack of pace and large frame have resulted in some difficult afternoons this season.

With Southgate keen on his defenders primarily focusing on defensive duties, the former Brighton man could prosper if there are injuries.

4. Tyrick Mitchell

Mitchell has been quietly climbing the pecking order at left-back and has already made his England debut. The Crystal Palace defender provides plenty of balance down the left flank and has been tremendously consistent for the Eagles.

While Mitchell is unlikely to be a player that gets pulses racing, he could prove to be a solid option for Southgate, and is clearly someone the England boss respects.

3. Joe Gomez

Gomez hasn't donned an England jersey since 2020 and has rarely been in consideration for a national team call-up since. However, the Liverpool defender has been impressive this season and has shown his versatility by playing across the backline for Jurgen Klopp.

While England are well-stocked at right-back and have plenty of centre-back options, Gomez could be a candidate at left-back given how well he performed in the role for the Reds this season.

A slightly more rogue option for Southgate, Gomez has the kind of flexibility that is essential at a major tournament.

2. Ben Chilwell

A hamstring injury ruled Chilwell out of the 2022 World Cup and fitness concerns have always threatened to derail the Chelsea defender's career.

It's no different this season, with Chilwell again struggling to overcome injuries.

The former Leicester City man does offer something different to England's other left-back options, with greater emphasis on the attacking part of the game, and he'd be a great rotation option for Southgate.

1. Luke Shaw

Shaw secured his place in English football history by becoming the first player since Sir Geoff Hurst to score for the Three Lions in a major final at Euro 2020.

However, Shaw has struggled with injuries since then and has been sidelined for significant periods during the 2023/24 campaign.

He's undoubtedly England's top left-back option, but he faces a race against time to be fully fit for the Three Lions' German venture.

READ MORE ON ENGLAND'S SQUAD OPTIONS AHEAD OF EURO 2024